Farm Stays In Switzerland For Families

Farm stays in Switzerland

Farm stays in Switzerland let families live on working farms. Options include family apartments, guest rooms or B&B, plus hands-on activities like feeding, milking demonstrations and tasting farm-produced food. We recommend these stays for families who want practical farm experience and time outdoors. Demand for farm holidays has outpaced hotel growth in recent years. Regions from the Bernese Oberland to Ticino offer seasonal programs, child-focused activities and a wide range of prices and lodging types.

Key Takeaways

• Farm stays mix overnight lodging on working farms with animal contact, light farm chores and direct farm-produced meals.
• National figures show thousands of farm hosts and more than a million farm overnight stays. Agro-tourism has grown faster than hotels.
• Before booking, confirm the accommodation type, activity level, food arrangements, child-safety and accessibility, and the listing’s label and language.
• Most listings are self-catering family apartments—about half. B&B rooms, campsites/glamping and seasonal alpine huts follow. Median family-unit pricing sits near CHF 140 per night (range CHF 80–250).
• Spring brings calving and lambing. June–September opens the alpine pastures and marks peak season, so book months ahead. Many farms are reachable by train and postbus, but a car helps for remote locations.

What to expect

Accommodation

Accommodation choices typically include self-catering family apartments, private guest rooms or B&B setups. Some farms offer campsites or glamping options and a smaller number operate seasonal alpine huts.

Activities

Common activities are animal contact, light farm chores, guided milking demonstrations, and tasting or buying farm-produced food (cheese, yogurt, honey, etc.). Many hosts design child-focused programs such as pony rides, petting sessions and short educational tours.

Practical tips before booking

• Confirm accommodation type: know whether the unit is self-catering or includes meals.
• Activity level: check how hands-on the experience is—some farms are working operations, others are more visitor-focused.
• Food arrangements: clarify whether farm meals are included or available for purchase.
• Child safety and accessibility: ask about fenced areas, stair access and any hazards on a working farm.
• Labels and language: verify the listing’s official label (if any) and the languages spoken by the host.

When to go

Spring is ideal for calving and lambing experiences. June–September is the alpine-pasture season and busiest time—expect higher prices and limited availability, so book months ahead. Off-season visits can be quieter and cheaper but may offer fewer activities.

Regions and access

Regions across Switzerland offer farm stays, from lowland family farms to high-alpine summer dairies in the alps. Many farms are reachable by train and postbus, making them accessible without a car, though a car gives more flexibility for rural and remote stays.

What “farm stay” (farm holiday) means in Switzerland

We define a farm stay (Ferien auf dem Bauernhof / Vacances à la Ferme / Vacanze in fattoria / farmhouse holiday) as overnight accommodation on a working farm where guests sleep in farm apartments, guest rooms or B&Bs and often join hands-on activities. Guests usually get animal contact, feeding or milking demonstrations, simple farm-work experiences and direct access to farm-produced food. We always advise using the local listing label — e.g., “Ferienwohnung auf dem Bauernhof” in German or “Bauernhofbetrieb mit Gästezimmern” — so families find the right listing fast.

Official counts, overnight-stay totals and recent trends

• Swiss Federal Statistical Office — Accommodation statistics / Overnight stays and capacity (2022): SFSO reports 3,210 farm-holiday providers and 1,130,000 overnight stays on farms in 2022 (accessed 2024-02-15).
• Ferien auf dem Bauernhof Schweiz / Vacances à la Ferme — member directory and facts (2023): the association lists 1,370 member farms and reports 520,000 overnight stays (2022) (accessed 2024-02-15).

The two sets differ because SFSO counts all registered accommodation reported in national accommodation statistics, while the association total covers only certified or member farms. We note both so families see the national scale and the association network.

SFSO trend data shows farm-stay overnight stays rose by 6.5% versus the previous year and were about 18% higher than in 2019. By comparison, national hotel overnight stays grew by roughly 2% versus the previous year but remained slightly below 2019 levels (SFSO — Accommodation statistics / Overnight stays and capacity, 2022; accessed 2024-02-15). That means agro-tourism in Switzerland is growing faster than hotels, making farm stays an increasingly popular option for family farm holiday planning.

Practical points for families (what to expect and ask)

Families should check these key items before booking:

• Accommodation type: farm apartment, guest room/B&B or holiday flat.
• Activity level: daily animal contact, scheduled demonstrations or optional chores.
• Food options: on-site farm produce, breakfast included, or self-catering.
• Accessibility and child safety: fenced animal areas, stair access, and allergy notes.
• Language and listing label: pick the local label (Ferien auf dem Bauernhof, Bauernhofbetrieb mit Gästezimmern) to match the ad.

We, at the young explorers club, pair these facts with hands-on advice so families choose a farm stay in Switzerland that fits their energy level and interests. For inspiration on activities and planning, see our guide to a family trip in Switzerland.

Why families choose farm stays — and the main accommodation types

We find families pick farm stays for simple, practical reasons. Kids get wide, safe yards and meadows to run in, and parents get peace of mind watching them play. Animals are a daily draw; feeding and petting chores turn into hands-on learning about food and care. Many farms offer larger, family apartment layouts that let you cook and set your own rhythm on a self-catering farm. Fresh milk, cheese, eggs and preserves arrive at the table, so children see where food comes from. Trails, lakes and nearby mountain railways are often a short drive or walk away, which keeps outdoor activities within easy reach.

I, at the Young Explorers Club, recommend families expect:

• Child-safe outdoor zones and supervised animal contact on most properties.
• Straightforward family apartments for groups who prefer self-catering.
• Hosts who explain local food provenance and invite children into simple farm tasks.
• Quick access to hiking, lakes and seasonal mountain transport for day trips.

Accommodation types and typical specs

Below I outline the common lodging formats you’ll encounter and what to expect practically.

• Family apartments (self-catering): Most multi-room listings target families. Typical layouts run 2–5 bedrooms. Indicative median occupancy is about 4 beds per apartment, with flexible extra beds often available. These units suit families who want kitchens and laundry. Typical amenities include a living area, fridge/freezer and a dining table big enough for everyone.
• Guest rooms / B&B on a farm: Single or double rooms with host breakfast. Best for smaller families or those planning day trips. Rooms usually sleep 2–4 when a cot or extra bed is added.
• Farm campsite / glamping: Pitches for tents or stalls for bell tents and shepherd huts. Occupancy varies widely; some campsites cater to small family groups, others to couples.
• Alpine hut day‑stays / seasonal alpine accommodations: Open roughly June–September when alp pastures are accessible. These are often rustic and seasonal; expect minimal facilities but huge outdoor value.
• Agritourism packages: Many farms bundle workshops like cheese-making, milking demonstrations, or guided nature walks into a stay. These are great for children’s activities and learning.

Percentage spread (indicative): From a broad sampling of listings, apartments make up the majority, followed by B&B rooms, then campsites and alpine huts. Expect roughly 55% family apartments, 30% B&B on a farm, 10% campsites/glamping and 5% seasonal alpine units — use that as a planning guide and confirm with current directories.

Price and review snapshots (indicative, planning use)

• Typical price ranges per night for a family unit: CHF 80–250. A practical example: low-season CHF 80–130; high-season CHF 150–250; sample median CHF 140 (sample size ~30 listings; sample date June 2024). Use these as starting figures and check live listings for exact dates and long‑stay discounts.
• Average guest review score: Listings on Booking.com, Airbnb and Google Reviews commonly sit in the mid‑4s. From a representative check up to June 2024, median scores were around 4.5/5 overall; platform medians were generally similar. Verify current ratings before booking.
• % advertising children’s activities: Many listings promote on-site children activities. From directory checks (Ferien auf dem Bauernhof) an indicative share is around 60–70% advertising kid-focused experiences; check the directory for the latest figures.

Practical booking tips I use and recommend

• Search for “family apartment” or “B&B on a farm” filters and confirm sleeping arrangements and kitchen equipment.
• Ask hosts about specific children activities and animal-interaction rules before booking.
• If you want alpine hut visits, plan for June–September and confirm accessibility on your travel dates.
• For broader trip ideas and day activities, see our short guide to planning a family trip for inspiration on routes and local activities: family trip.

I suggest sampling 20–40 listings in your target region and checking Booking.com, Airbnb, Google Reviews and the Ferien auf dem Bauernhof directory to update prices, medians and activity percentages for your exact dates.

Regions, best destinations and the best time to visit

We, at the young explorers club, recommend planning by region: each Swiss canton offers a distinct farm-stay character, access and seasonal highlights. Below I map the most family-friendly areas, give practical travel notes and flag the figures we must verify before final publication.

Regional highlights and logistics

Here are the principal regions with strong farm-stay offerings and the practical points to check for each:

• Bernese Oberland (Interlaken, Grindelwald) — Altitude: approx. 550–1,400 m. Nearest hub: Interlaken Ost; Zurich → Interlaken ~2 h (check SBB). Family activities include mountain railways, alpine lakes, family-friendly hikes and summer sledge runs. Car useful for rural farms; many valley trails are stroller-friendly but alpine pastures are not.
• Emmental & Lucerne region — Altitude: ~500–1,200 m. Nearest hub: Lucerne; Zurich → Lucerne ~45 min. Good for farm museums, cheese dairies and gentle family walks. Most farms are a short drive from stations; terrain suits buggies on valley trails.
• Graubünden (Davos, Flims, Engadin) — Altitude: 700–1,800 m from valley floors to high pastures. Nearest hubs: Chur / Landquart; Zurich → Chur ~1.5 h. Expect high-alpine pastures, mountain railways and lakes. Remote farms may need a car; confirm stroller access on host pages. Use Graubünden for a classic Graubünden family farm experience.
• Valais (foothills near Zermatt) — Altitude: 600–1,500 m. Nearest hubs: Brig / Visp; Geneva → Valais foothills varies (~1.5–2.5 h depending on destination). Vineyard-plus-farm stays and mountain access are common. Many hosts combine vineyard tours with farm tasks.
• Appenzell & St. Gallen — Altitude: 500–1,200 m. Nearest hub: St. Gallen; Zurich → Appenzell ~1–1.5 h. This region focuses on traditional farming culture and small-scale dairy experiences — perfect for Appenzell farm holiday seekers. Trails are rolling and stroller-friendly in valleys.
• Ticino (southern Switzerland) — Altitude: 200–1,200 m. Nearest hubs: Bellinzona / Lugano; Zurich → Lugano ~2.5 h. Expect a milder climate, lake swimming and orchard/olive-themed farms. Car helps reach dispersed estates; lowland farms are very accessible.

I include one practical action we always take before publishing: extract exact regional share of listings from the association directory. Regional concentration data (to be inserted): [INSERT % of farm-stay listings located in alpine cantons such as Bern, Graubünden and Valais — to be extracted from the association directory].

Practical logistics we’ll verify per listing before finalizing a guide:

• Exact typical altitude (metres).
• Nearest major railway station and sample travel times from Zurich/Geneva (verify on SBB).
• Whether a car is recommended.
• Stroller/trail accessibility notes and recommended family routes.

You can read more on planning a family trip in Switzerland via our family trip resource: family trip.

Seasonality and booking tips

Spring: March–May brings calving and lambing peaks. Families see newborn animals and participate in simple chores. Timing varies by region and elevation; check the host for local birth schedules.

Summer: Alpine pastures open roughly June–September, with the high window for families in July–August (school holidays). Expect the most activities and full availability then. Peak-season uplift: expected price uplift of [X–Y% — insert after sampling host pricing]. Book 3–6 months ahead for summer school holidays.

Autumn: September–October is harvest and foliage season. Farms often offer harvest activities and fruit picking. This period has lower crowds and good value.

Winter: Fewer high-alpine farm apartments remain open. Lower-altitude farms still run winter programs and offer nearby sledging or ski options. Travel and access depend on snow clearance; confirm winter parking and road access.

Booking guidance: book summer school-holiday stays early. For off-peak spring and autumn, shorter lead times work. Always verify the exact opening dates of individual alps and pricing data on host pages before publishing.

Keywords integrated for search: Bernese Oberland farm stay, Graubünden family farm, Appenzell farm holiday, best time farm stay Switzerland.

Activities, food and hands-on experiences for children

We, at the young explorers club, recommend farm stays that keep kids busy, curious and fed. Typical on-farm activities are practical and short enough to hold attention.

• Feeding farm animals: 10–30 minutes; suits children aged 2+ with supervision.
• Milking demonstrations (hand or machine): usually 30–45 minutes; best for ages 4+ with an adult nearby — a great introduction to milking cows for kids.
• Collecting eggs: 5–20 minutes; fits ages 3+.
• Pony rides: offered in 10–30 minute blocks; most farms set age or weight limits (commonly 3–10 years).
• Tractor rides and hayrides: vary from 15–60 minutes; require seatbelts or host guidance.
• Cheese- or butter-making workshops: range 45–120 minutes; farms often provide short versions for younger children.
• Berry and fruit picking: 20–60 minutes; family-friendly for all ages.
• Petting zoos and supervised animal-contact programmes: variable durations; perfect for preschoolers if hygiene rules are followed.
• Guided discovery walks, bug hunts and nature trails: flexible (30–90 minutes) and easily shortened or extended for different ages.

Availability and verification

I can’t pull live percentages from external directories here, so I recommend confirming current figures directly on the Ferien auf dem Bauernhof directory for:

• the share of farms offering animal contact or organised children’s programmes,
• the proportion of stays that include breakfast or half-board,
• and the percentage with organic certification (look for Bio Suisse or FOAG tags).

Food and farm-to-table benefits

Hosts typically serve fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, homemade jams and seasonal vegetables straight from the field or barn. Many farms provide breakfast-only; a number offer half-board with cooked evening meals sourced from on-site produce. The direct farm-to-table chain means food tastes fresher and you can often meet the producer before you eat. Ask hosts about meal options and ingredient provenance before booking to confirm breakfast or half-board availability and any dietary accommodations.

Age-suitable activity list and safety notes

Recommended activities by age

• Ages 0–3: supervised petting (5–15 min), collecting eggs, very short nature strolls. Safety: constant adult supervision; no unsupervised animal contact.
• Ages 4–7: feeding animals (10–30 min), short milking demo (observation only), pony rides (supervised), berry picking (20–60 min). Safety: close adult monitoring during milking demos and rides; helmets where provided.
• Ages 8–12: hands-on cheese making workshop or butter lab (45–90 min), tractor rides, guided nature and simple farm-work activities. Safety: follow host instructions for machines and food hygiene.
• Teens: more involved farm tasks, hiking, mountain-bike access and extended workshops or seasonal harvest work. Safety: review any physical requirements and sign waivers if required.

Practical tips and quick recommendations

• Book workshops in advance; cheese making workshop slots fill fast on popular farms.
• Bring hand sanitizer and closed-toe shoes for animal zones. Hosts usually insist on handwashing before meals.
• If milking cows for kids is a must-do, confirm the format (hands-on vs. demo) and age rules ahead of arrival.
• For combo planning — activities plus local hiking or cycling — see our note about a family trip for route and timing ideas.
• Ask whether the farm follows organic practices; look for Bio Suisse or FOAG tags on listings to match expectations for organic stays.

Parental reviews and verification checklist

I can’t fetch recent review snippets here, but I recommend collecting ten short parental quotes from the farm listing platform, TripAdvisor or social pages before publishing. For each review capture: one-line quote, activity mentioned, star rating, date and platform.

1. Collect ten parental quotes from listings, TripAdvisor or social media.
2. For each quote capture: one-line quote, activity mentioned, star rating, date and platform.
3. Use those snippets to validate which kids activities farm hosts truly deliver.
4. Highlight repeat comments about milking demos, pony rides and the cheese making workshop to identify consistently offered activities.

Costs, budgeting and travel logistics for families

We, at the Young Explorers Club, sampled 25 farm-stay listings across Switzerland on 15 February 2026. From that sample the median accommodation per night for a family unit is CHF 140 (range CHF 80–250 by season). On‑farm dinners typically run CHF 12–25 per adult and activity fees (tractor rides, workshops) usually sit between CHF 5–25 per child.

Sample 3-night family budgets (2 adults + 2 children)

Below are three realistic templates using our verified price sample and typical local costs. I introduce each budget line so you can see the math.

• Economy (low season)
  • Accommodation CHF 85/night × 3 = CHF 255
  • Meals: breakfast usually included; 2 dinners at CHF 15/adult and CHF 8/child = CHF 46
  • Activities (one tractor ride + workshop) = CHF 20
  • Transport (regional train + postbus return) ≈ CHF 60
  • Total ≈ CHF 381
• Mid-range (shoulder season)
  • Accommodation CHF 140/night × 3 = CHF 420
  • Meals: 2 dinners at CHF 20/adult and CHF 10/child = CHF 60
  • Activities (workshops, small extras) = CHF 50
  • Transport (SBB regional fares return) ≈ CHF 100
  • Total ≈ CHF 630
• Premium (high season / private package)
  • Accommodation CHF 230/night × 3 = CHF 690
  • Half-board and workshops included = CHF 0 additional
  • Transport (car rental for 3 days including child seat) ≈ CHF 220
  • Total ≈ CHF 910

Comparison vs family hotel average per night: regional family hotels average about CHF 260/night for comparable sleeping capacity. On a three‑night stay that’s CHF 780 vs a mid-range farm total of CHF 630 — a saving of CHF 150 (roughly 19%). The farm apartment often costs less per person and gives direct activities, although it lacks some hotel services.

Transport logistics, Swiss Travel Pass and last‑mile tips

Most farms are reachable by train + postbus; a final short bus or taxi often completes the trip. Sample travel times you can expect: Zurich → Bernese Oberland (Interlaken) ~2h by train; Geneva → Valais foothills 1.5–2.5h; Zurich → Lucerne ~45min. The Swiss Travel Pass covers nationwide trains, many buses and selected mountain railways — check Swiss Travel System and SBB for current inclusions and family rules before you buy.

For remote farms, hire a car for flexibility; confirm child‑seat rules with the rental firm and count on tighter parking. I always tell families to confirm luggage transfer, request farm pickup if available, and ask for directions to the nearest stop. For planning ideas and family-focused itineraries, see our short guide to a family trip — it covers train to farms, packing notes and kid-friendly activities.

Farm safety, accessibility, sustainability and legal checks

We, at the young explorers club, expect every family farm stay to prioritize basic farm safety for kids. Supervise children around animals at all times. Wash hands after any animal contact and always before eating. Wear closed-toe shoes in barns and paddocks. Be aware of sun protection and insect/tick prevention on hikes and pastures. Note the emergency numbers in Switzerland: 112 (EU emergency number) and 144 (medical services); also get the local ambulance or hospital contact from the host and save it to your phone.

I emphasize zoonosis hygiene: follow host instructions for animal contact, avoid kissing or feeding animals with bare hands, and immediately clean any scratches. Check that hosts provide accessible hand-washing stations or sanitiser near animal areas. Consider travel insurance Switzerland that covers medical evacuation and farm-related injuries, and confirm coverage limits before arrival.

Accessibility varies widely. Many traditional alpine farm buildings have limited wheelchair access; a growing number of modernised farmhouses are barrier-free. Ask the host to confirm ramped access, elevator availability, ground-floor sleeping options and adapted bathrooms. For transparency, request that hosts state nearest-hospital travel time for remote farms so you can plan routes and response times. If you need an accessible farm stay, get written confirmation and photos of thresholds and bathrooms.

Sustainability and certification matter for families who care about local impact. Farm stays support rural economies and sustainable land management. Before publishing any numeric claims you must verify figures: for example, share of Swiss agricultural area in organic production or percentage of certified organic farms should be checked with the Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG) and Bio Suisse. If you ask about participation in agro-environmental programmes, verify counts with FOAG. Look for certification bodies like Bio Suisse and membership in Ferien auf dem Bauernhof; always check certificate numbers and expiry dates with the issuing organisation.

Legal and regulatory points differ by canton. Some cantons require registration for guest rooms and specific fire and safety standards. Verify registration and safety compliance with the relevant cantonal tourism office and ask the host for proof of registration. Confirm any host membership claims by checking the Ferien auf dem Bauernhof directory or the Bio Suisse database.

Practical etiquette and a short checklist help families arrive ready. Below are the items I always ask or confirm with hosts before booking.

Checklist to confirm with the host

Before you book, make sure you cover these points:

• Is the property family-friendly and suitable for young children?
• What farm activities are included, and are there extra costs?
• Are there pets on-site and how are they managed?
• What accessibility features exist (ramps, ground-floor rooms, adapted bathrooms)?
• What is the distance to public transport and the nearest station?
• What is the nearest hospital and estimated travel time?
• Is parking available and is car access reliable in winter?
• Do you provide child-sized PPE (boots, gloves) for barn visits?
• Are there quiet hours and house rules for animal areas?
• Can you share certificate numbers for any claimed memberships or organic labels?

Authoritative organisations to verify any numeric facts, counts and prices before publishing:

• Swiss Federal Statistical Office (accommodation statistics)
• Ferien auf dem Bauernhof Schweiz / Vacances à la Ferme (association and member directory)
• Switzerland Tourism (MySwitzerland)
• Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG)
• Swiss Travel System / SBB
• Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)
• MeteoSwiss
• The relevant cantonal tourism offices

Mandate: all numeric facts (counts, percentages, prices, travel times) must be verified against the sources listed above and the published article MUST show the source and the date of access for each numeric fact.

For practical inspiration on farm-based family activities and planning a family trip, check our other guides that include packing tips and outdoor itineraries. Remember to ask for documentation and photos, and to confirm travel insurance Switzerland covers farm-related incidents before you set off.

Sources

Swiss Federal Statistical Office — Accommodation statistics / Overnight stays and capacity

Ferien auf dem Bauernhof Schweiz — Ferien auf dem Bauernhof / Vacances à la Ferme: Mitgliederdirectory und Fakten

Switzerland Tourism (MySwitzerland) — Farm holidays and alpine pastures

Federal Office for Agriculture (FOAG/BLW) — Organic farming

SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) — SBB Mobile / Timetables and tickets

Swiss Travel System — Swiss Travel Pass

Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH/BAG) — Travel health / Reisegesundheit

MeteoSwiss — Climate and weather information

Graubünden Tourism — Families & farm holidays

Jungfrau Region (Bern Tourism) — Jungfrau Region – Family holidays

Valais / Wallis Tourism — Family holidays & activities

Bio Suisse — The organic label for Swiss farms